CVS Worker Testifies in Manslaughter Trial Over Fatal Stabbing

A CVS employee emotionally recounted a violent incident in which he used a knife in self-defense during a confrontation with a homeless man accused of shoplifting. The worker, Scott Enoe, 48, testified that he stabbed Charles Brito, 50, to protect himself and female coworkers in July 2023 inside a Midtown store.

Enoe described how Brito, a known shoplifter, had ambushed him from behind, assaulted him with punches, and slammed his head against a refrigerated unit. The employee, who is originally from Grenada, said he was overwhelmed and couldn’t fight back with his bare hands. He then pulled Brito away from coworkers after the man approached them and raised his elbows aggressively.

Enoe explained that he stabbed Brito with a small folding knife multiple times, including twice in the liver, after Brito repeatedly lunged at him. The stabbing resulted in Brito bleeding heavily and later dying from his injuries. Enoe claimed he was unaware of how badly Brito was hurt at the time. When asked if he heard Brito say “ouch,” Enoe replied in the negative. He also later admitted to police that he wasn’t thinking clearly after the incident, attributing his actions to being beaten up.

Prosecutors allege that Enoe stabbed Brito eight times, leading to his death. Photos shown in court displayed Enoe with facial injuries sustained during the fight and the bloodstained knife used during the altercation.

Enoe remains out on bail and faces charges of manslaughter, with a potential sentence of up to 25 years if convicted. Jurors are expected to deliberate later this week, considering whether Enoe’s actions were reasonable self-defense or unjustified.